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“It might not be that, but I’ve been showing symptoms.” She shrugged. “And my aunt passed away from MS complications, so there’s family history.”

“Bryce didn’t mention anything.”

“I haven’t told him. Please don’t say anything. He and Corina have enough on their minds right now.”

“What about your mom?”

She shook her head. “She’s already lost one child—not that MS is a death sentence, but it’s life-altering for sure. And it was her sister who had MS. She’d freak. I don’t want to put that on her until I have an official diagnosis. Especially when there’s a chance it’s something ... less serious.”

So she was doing this alone. He’d seen how Allye tried to shoulder her family’s burdens, but this was extreme.

“Don’t worry about it.”

Don’t worry about it?“Allye—”

“Really, Eric. I didn’t tell you so you’d feel sorry for me. I’ll be fine.”

“Even if you have MS?” He reached for her hand. She didn’t pull away, but he felt the tremor.

She swallowed. “Even then.”

They sat in silence for a minute. Two. Finally, he asked, “What kind of symptoms are you dealing with? If you don’t mind telling me, that is.”

“Extreme fatigue. Numbness and tingling, muscle spasms, more frequent migraines.” She sucked in a breath. “I get dizzy and lightheaded easily—especially when I stand up or am standing for an extended period of time.” She lifted her free hand. “And the shaking, of course. Lack of coordination is another common symptom of MS, but I’ve always had that.” She attempted a laugh.

He didn’t return it. “How long has this been going on?”

“Several months. Maybe longer, but that’s when I startedpaying attention and realized the symptoms were multiplying, not going away. I’ve been blessed with doctors that take me seriously, and they’ve fast-tracked what they could because of my family history, but it’s still a long road to a diagnosis.”

She’d been dealing with this for months? All on her own? He’d known she would do anything for those she cared about—even risk her own life like she had last fall when Corina was trying to escape a killer. But this? He gave her hand a light squeeze. “You don’t always have to be the strong one.”

“Someone has to.”

He couldn’t stop himself. He cupped her chin in his palm and looked deep into her eyes. “But it doesn’t always have to be you.”

She gave him a sorry excuse for a smile. “You’re one to talk. Mr. Big Bad Policeman who doesn’t need anyone.”

“Yeah.” He dropped his hand and leaned back to put a little space between them. He let the silence linger a moment. “You’ll have to tell them though. If it does turn out to be MS.”God, please don’t let it be MS.

He barely heard her whispered “I know” before she picked up the tablet and began scrolling through mug shots again. Message received—she was done talking about her personal problems.

ALLYE’S HANDS CONTINUED TO SHAKEas she dried and put away the supper dishes. She didn’t really have the energy to spare, but she needed to burn off a bit of her anxiety before trying to retire for the evening.

But the work wasn’t distracting her from her problems. Her conversation with Eric replayed in her mind as if through a loudspeaker. While she’d admitted some of her situation to Hailey the other day, she hadn’t given voice to her worst fear—that she might be facing MS. She hadn’t wanted to share that with anyone until she knew for sure, one way or another.

What must Eric be thinking? They were friends, but not close friends. And she’d admit, if only to herself, that she’d long wished to be more. That was unlikely now. She didn’t think he was the kind of guy to run from a relationship requiring immediate consideration of the “in sickness and in health” part of marriage vows, but she wasn’t so sure she was willing to ask it of anyone.

But at least she didn’t feel quite so alone anymore. Telling him had been an unexpected relief, even more so than her brief conversation with her cousin. She didn’t like keeping secrets—not from her friends and especially not from her family. But she hated the thought of burdening them even more.

The last dish safely in the cabinet, Allye leaned against the edge of the counter and closed her eyes. She was so tired, she was almost afraid to move. How bad would it be to sleep on the kitchen floor tonight? She could just slide down the counter and—

Her phone began to ring from the other room. She released a groan and considered letting it go to voice mail. But it could be important.

She pushed off from the counter and retrieved her phone. “Hailey, what’s up?” She tried to infuse a bit of energy into her voice.

“Hey. Just wanted to see how you’re doing.”

“I’m doing okay.”